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Folkestone & Hythe District Council

The iconic White Horse will remain part of the logo - all that will change are the words.

Plus, only printed material will be changed immediately.

Items in need of repair or replacement, such as uniforms or vehicles, will get the new logo as and when.

Time Line

The history of Folkestone's white horse

April 1998: Application for permission is lodged

The idea of the white horse was brought before the council two decades ago.

An application was lodged on May 1 of that year, but years of work prevailed to make it a reality.

August 1999: The first canvas outline was laid

A rough canvas image was laid on Cheriton Hill at Crete Road West for a period of three weeks.

This, according to Friends of the White Horse peer group, was "in order for the artist to prove the feasibility of creating the figure and to test public support."

2001: A public inquiry was held

The peer group goes on to say: "With great support for the project coming from many residents and the press, and with some opposition from environmental bodies and others, a Public Enquiry was held in Folkestone."

2002: The Secretary of State grants it permission

The Secretary of State for the environment at the time gave it the green light, and by 2003 white blocks were laid in the shape of a horse. This was then adopted by Shepway District Council as part of its logo which is seen on council owned signs, trucks, wheelie bins and uniforms.

The project was the outcome of artist, Charles Newington, farmer Richard Beaugié and landowner The Tory Family Foundation Charitable Trust.

2004: The Friends of the Folkestone White Horse began

According to the (FWH) website the group formed in 2004 to promote the logo and maintain it.